Snippet #1517777

"Ah. It is Lord Rowley who has so awakened your dislike," he murmured. "I admit a small distaste for him myself, though I daresay it has increased in strength in the past few moments." He smiled, glancing over to gauge her reaction. He took great pleasure in her conversation, as it was both refreshing and insightful, and he enjoyed nothing so much as abandoning propriety with such blatant disregard. Engrossed in her company, Damien was not quite so circumspect as he might have been otherwise, and so failed to notice the approach of a small group of people until they were almost upon the secluded hiding spot.

Looking hurriedly at the path, he glanced back at Miss Marwick momentarily. This was certainly a compromising situation. Of course, he could easily escape back into the night without notice, but it was clear to him that Lord Rowley and Gerard were among the party, and he did not wish to abandon her to the Lord's repulsive company for the rest of the evening. He waited until the party had advanced up the path a few yards more before he cleared his throat gently and gestured to the path. "It seems we will not enjoy our privacy much longer. Please forgive me for placing you in such a compromising position." So saying, Damien rose from his seat next to the young lady and moved a few paces off. Perhaps the group would pass by entirely without noticing them.